Alastair Clarkson set for Kangaroos return in analysis role

North Melbourne has revealed the timeline for Alastair Clarkson to return to his post as senior coach, with a new role in the short term.

Kangaroos coach Alastair Clarkson will return to the club after a six-week absence. Picture: Dylan Burns / Getty Images

Alastair Clarkson will return to the Kangaroos next week as the club formally begins the transition towards his reinstatement as senior coach.

The veteran coach will be eased back into his duties in an analytical role with no match-day involvement with a view to returning to his position before the end of the season, North Melbourne has confirmed.

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The Kangaroos said Clarkson’s focus would involve “game trends and opposition analysis” as he advises the coaching group on strategy over the next few weeks.

“He won’t be part of the club’s match-day set-up in the short term,” a club statement issued on Friday said.

Alastair Clarkson will return to North Melbourne with reduced duties next week. Picture: Michael Willson / Getty Images

North Melbourne president Sonja Hood said the club’s leadership was “comfortable” Clarkson was in the right space to return to Arden Street after he stepped away following the round 9 loss to Port Adelaide amid increasing pressure from the investigation into racism allegations during his time at Hawthorn and the Kangaroos’ torrid run of form.

“We are pleased that Alastair has been able to get the support he needs to return to the club and work towards doing what he loves most and does best – coach the team,” Hood said.

“We’ve had some really good dialogue with Alastair and we’re all comfortable he’s ready to make a return into the football department ahead of getting back in the senior coach’s chair later this season.

“In the meantime, Brett Ratten and the rest of the coaching group will continue to lead and develop the playing group.”

Hood thanked Ratten and the Kangaroos football department for planning a “smooth” transition towards Clarkson coaching again.

Originally published as Alastair Clarkson set for Kangaroos return in analysis role